Several times over the last 9 months I blogged that I thought COVID-19 would lead to an increased number of hunters, including new hunters and reactivated ones (people who used to hunt but gave it up for various reasons). I figured that most of these newbies would be deer hunters. The whitetail is America’s number 1 game animal, and the thought of hunting, killing and eating venison would appeal to many during the pandemic. Turns out I was right and then some. Some statistics: Michigan: More than 545,000 hunters bought hunting licenses through Nov. 11, nearly 10 percent more than at the same point in 2019, according to the state DNR. Pennsylvania: Game Commission reports a 5% increase in hunting [...]

As I predicted 9 months ago, the pandemic led to a notable increase (roughly 10% across all the states) in new and reactivated hunters for the fall 2020 seasons. People had been cooped up for months, and what better way to get out of the house and social distance without wearing a mask, unless it is a camo face covering. As more people get vaccinated and COVID begins to go away (we hope!) later in 2021 and into 22, will these new hunters still shoot and hunt next fall and into the future? I predict some fall off, but a good percentage of the new hunters will keep on doing it. They are more knowledgeable and confident now, have better [...]